0316. We Must Suffer

We Must Suffer

"Exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the Kingdom of God" (Act_14:22).

Paul was making a tour of the Churches where he had preached. Many of these had suffered great tribulation for Christ’s sake. Paul had these saints in his heart. He loved them and felt for them and encouraged them. He told them that their lot was a common one to all believers, and that "we must through much tribulation enter into the Kingdom of God."

Satan is the god of this age, and he goes about as a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. The men of this world are men of Belial, and they are rebels against Jesus Christ, certainly they will oppose those who are servants of Christ.

Christ said: "Marvel not if the world hate you." He also said, "In the world ye shall have tribulation."

Surely the world has not had a change of heart. When Jesus came into the world, the world knew Him not and His own received Him not. The world holds the same attitude toward the servants of Christ.

"If they have called the Master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call them of His own household." If they have hated Him, they will hate us.

To be sure, persecution has not the same methods in all lands. Sometimes the world seeks to befriend the saint, but only to draw him from his separated life.

Paul said: "If any man live Godly in Christ Jesus, he shall suffer persecution." Again he said: "It is given you, in behalf of Christ, not only to believe on Him but also to suffer for His sake."

Illustration: When the Brooklyn bridge was in building, and the machinists were digging deep to get to bed rock on which to build their buttresses that would hold the weight of the great suspension, the following is said to have occurred.

One of the men in charge of the drilling, called the chief engineer to examine the screws that were grinding through to solid rock. He said to the chief: "Have we reached bed rock?" As the engineer looked down, and watched the big screw turn, he replied "No, not yet, that is nothing but soap stone." A short time after, the chief came by and said: "Stop your engines, you have the bed rock now." "And how can you tell so quickly?" was asked. The reply is worth remembering: "Can’t you see it shooting fire; when you get to bed rock it always shoots fire."

Thus, when a Christian gets to bed rock in his service and testimony and life, he will find the sparks will begin to fly.

As the age nears its close, we may expect more and more to suffer for His Name. Before many moons have passed, the wrath of satan will be waxing hot again, and the saints will once more begin to have tribulation. But let us stand firm. Consider the glory that shall be revealed in us. And, if we suffer, we shall reign.

Autor: R.E. NEIGHBOUR